Seven members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrendered to
government troops in the province
of Basilan
Maj. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos Jr., Joint Task Force
Zambasulta, said the seven members of the ASG surrendered,with firearms, on two
separate days--Monday and Tuesday—in Sitio Bohe-Bohe Pahu, Barangay Camalig,
Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan.
Barrientos identified the ASG surrenderers were Sulaiman
Kasaran alias Abu Jaid, Marwin Asan Kasaran alias Hadjie, Derwin Asan Kasaran
alias Dikki, Halid Asan Kasaran alais Nasirin Awwalin, Hadzmin Kuluman Kasaran
alias Ammin, Faisal Laudmin Kasaran alias Issa and Ballie, and Salman Najallon
Kasaran alias Sat and Mhanz.
They were the first group to surrender to the government
since the ASG was organized in the 90s.
Barrientos said they turned in assorted high-power firearms
that include three M-16 Armalite rifles, one caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle, one
M-79 grenade launcher, and one caliber .45 pistol.
Barrientos said they will be duly endorsed to the Gov. Mujiv
Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) “for rehabilitation
and integration into the mainstream of our society.”
“The ASG members realized that fighting the government and
enduring hard life in the mountains is a lost cause,” he said.
He said surrender of the seven ASG members was made possible
through the help of the populace and municipal government of Ungkaya Pukan.
He said the sincere coordination and passion of the
government in delivering the message for peace and reconciliation on the ground
made the pivotal role to convince the other ASG members to return to the folds
of the law.
Meanwhile, Barrientos, who is also the Army’s 1st Infantry
Division commander, lauded the efforts of the troops of Joint Task Group
Basilan headed by Col. Rolando Joselito Bautista for a job well done.
He said that their surrender is a clear victory for the
people of Basilan who yearn for peace and desire to live lawfully and
peacefully.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=848906
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